In the world of wedding planning, networking and education aren’t just important—they’re essential. As someone who has attended the SWEL Summer Summit three years in a row, I can confidently say that these summits have been game-changers for my business and personal growth. This is part two of my exploration into why networking and education matter so much in the wedding industry, and how my experiences at the SWEL Summer Summit has only reinforced this belief.

Missed part 1? No worries! Click here to catch up.

Before we get started, are you new here? I’m Sophie, your trusted virtual assistant for wedding pros. Whether you need to streamline your processes or dive into a full systems overhaul, I’ve got you covered. Let’s chat about how I can support your business—reach out today, and let’s make your systems work smarter, not harder!

What is SWEL Summer Summit?

First, what even is the SWEL Summer Summit? While I think my takeaways below are going to help you regardless of which wedding event you attend, let me explain what this is (in case you haven’t attended yet). The SWEL Summer Summit is an exclusive event hosted by Suncoast Weddings & Events, designed to bring together industry professionals, creatives, and event enthusiasts for a day of inspiration, networking, and learning.

Held on Florida’s Gulf Coast, this summit offers a unique opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals, explore the latest trends in weddings and events, and learn from true industry leaders. With a focus on collaboration and growth, the SWEL Summer Summit is the perfect platform to elevate your event planning skills, build meaningful connections, and stay ahead in the ever-evolving world of weddings and events.

Year 1: Attending SWEL As a Brand New Business Owner

When I first attended SWEL Summit, I was still new to the scene, juggling my role as a lead planner for a South Asian planning company while starting my wedding pro virtual assistant (VA) business. Honestly, I wasn’t even attending for myself; I was there to represent someone else’s brand. But even then, I couldn’t help but take in everything from both perspectives—the planner and the VA.

That year, Brandee Gaar made a lasting impression with her talk on Reels—a relatively new concept back then. It’s funny looking back now, as social media advice has become a staple in every summit. Brandee’s insights, along with sessions from Shannon Tarrant and Tara Melvin, filled my notebook with actionable ideas. These early lessons highlighted how crucial it is to stay updated in our industry, where trends shift rapidly, and keeping up can set you apart.

Year 2: Full Circle—From Attendee to Panelist

Returning for my second year felt like a full-circle moment. This time, I was there solely for my own business and even had the honor of speaking on a panel. Sitting alongside industry powerhouses like Shannon Tarrant and Brittany Eagans from Be Wed, we discussed the ins and outs of building a team—an essential topic as I was expanding my own VA business.

Despite being out of breath from pregnancy (yes, networking while pregnant is a whole different challenge!), the experience was incredible. The attendance had grown, the energy was palpable, and being surrounded by such a passionate community on Anna Maria Island was nothing short of inspiring. It was a reminder that networking isn’t just about business cards; it’s about meaningful connections that push you forward in your journey.

Year 3: Confidence, Community, and a New Love for Learning

By my third year at SWEL, I felt a lot more comfortable. The same hotel from my first year was now packed with over 220 attendees, and walking into that room, I felt a newfound confidence. I was no longer the newbie—I was part of a community, eager to dive into the sessions that had set a new bar for excellence over the past three years.

The speakers this year were on fire. From legal coverage with Leah from Oduberg to navigating industry uncertainty with Michelle from BeSage, every session was packed with so much value. There was also a panel with Anna Coats, Shannon Tarrant, and Shauna Cooney all about mastering client sales, and one presentation from Kawania guiding the importance of onboarding and offboarding (preach, speaking my love language!!)

One Of My Favorite Lessons From the SWEL Summer Summit

If I had to choose just one lesson to highlight (which feels impossible!), the one that truly resonated with me this year was Malike’s session on storytelling. His energy was infectious, but more than that, his message hit home: as wedding pros, we need to own our stories. Fellow wedding Pros, I know you feel me when I say that it’s easy to become overwhelmed by all the places we need to show up and market, and to see other pros crushing it on Instagram or TikTok and think “I can’t do that – that’s not me.”

The point of the talk? Was that You are RIGHT, it isn’t you, and that’s exactly what Malike shared. You need to share your OWN story, or your differentiator because that’s the connecting point your couples are looking for! We often answer the question “What do you do?” on social media and in our website copy, but in Malike’s talk, he really encouraged us to instead dive deeper into WHO we are and share THAT in our marketing.

This year’s summit didn’t just elevate my knowledge—it reignited my passion for continuous learning (not that it was ever really gone). That’s where the magic of these events truly lies when attending SWEL Summer Summit (or ANY networking or education event in the wedding industry!). The education we receive is invaluable, but the connections we build, the stories we share, and the inspiration we draw from one another are what propel us forward.

Photography Credit: Foto Bohemia

SWEL Summer Summit: The Power of Networking and Education

Looking back on these three years, it’s clear that networking and education are intertwined in our industry. Each summit has not only expanded my knowledge but also deepened my connections within the community. Whether you’re just starting out or you’re a seasoned pro, investing in these areas is one of the best things that you can do for sustainable business growth.

Plus, as I continue to attend events like SWEL, I’m reminded over and over again that our industry thrives on the relationships we build and the knowledge we share. So, if you’re ever on the fence about attending that next summit or workshop, take the plunge—you never know how it might change your perspective, your business, or even your life.

Lastly, if you’re ready to elevate your business, head here to learn more about my VA and Systems Set-up services. From fine-tuning your systems to a complete audit of your current business, I’m here to help you thrive! Contact me here to get started.